CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator (CFSA) proudly announces the launch of its second Call for Applications, inviting agribusinesses in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia to apply to the program to receive support in scaling their climate-smart agriculture innovations.

Overview: The CFSA is an agribusiness support program within The CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa, also known as Ukama Ustawi. It is a science-driven accelerator designed to empower agribusinesses with climate-smart innovations. By combining investment readiness with tailored science-based technical assistance, CFSA equips agribusinesses with the tools and knowledge to become commercially viable, environmentally conscious, and sustainable. The program emphasizes innovations with a user-centric approach for smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices, and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Partnership with Agroecology Initiative: For the 2024 cohort, CFSA is proud to collaborate with the Agroecology Initiative. This partnership aims to support agribusinesses in embracing sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices, integrating principles of agroecology. Agroecology focuses on improving resource efficiency, strengthening resilience, and securing social equity.

Priority Innovation Themes:

1. Mechanization and Irrigation
2. Conservation Agriculture
3. Nutrition-Sensitive Climate-Smart  Agriculture
4. Agricultural Risk Management (ARM)

Business Stages:

• Early Stage: Start-ups in early stages seeking to establish their business model.
• Growth Stage: Companies demonstrating sustainable business models, significant revenue growth, and positive cashflow.

What We Offer:

1. CSA and Agroecology Technical Assistance
2. Impact Measurement and Management (IMM)
3. Investment Readiness
4. De-risking Grant
5. Access to Our Network of Capital Providers
6. Community of Agri-entrepreneurs

How to Apply: See our promo video of the 2023 cohort and insights into what selected applicants can expect; visit CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator Website to apply and learn more.

Media Contact: p.nkosi@cgiar.org

About CGIAR: CGIAR is the largest agriculture innovation network with a research portfolio of US $900 million, focusing on enhancing food and nutrition security through a science-based approach. For more information, click here.

About Ukama Ustawi: Ukama Ustawi is a regional initiative of CGIAR, supporting climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods in 12 countries in East and Southern Africa. For more information, click here.

About Agroecology Initiative: Agroecology is a global initiative of CGIAR, promoting the investment and uptake of agroecology by food system actors, including small-scale farmers. For more information, click here.

About IFDC-2SCALE:  is an incubator and accelerator program of inclusive agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting partnerships and business models for transformative change. For more information, click here.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is January 8, 2024.